Home
asia
aviation
Modern Taiwanese Air Power

Modern Taiwanese Air Power

The Republic of China Air Force Today

by Roy Choo and Peter Ho

Imprint: Harpia Publishing

96 Pages, 8.27 x 11 in, 1 b&w and 45 color pictures, 4 tables and graphs plus 2 maps

Paperback
9781950394036
July 2021
In Stock

$31.95

Buy

Description
Authors
Praise

“I feel the Military History buff and the more general audience reader will both get value from a book like this.” - Argunners Magazine

The sovereign status of Taiwan – or the Republic of China – has been a source of instability in the Asia-Pacific region for much of the last 70 years. While Taiwan aspires to be an independent and democratic nation, the communist-led People’s Republic of China sees it as a breakaway province. With Beijing flexing its muscles in recent years amid rising tensions between China and the US, the potential for a military flashpoint along the narrow Taiwan Strait cannot be overstated.

The strategy of the Republic of China Armed Forces is to present Beijing with a credible deterrent, and should this fail, defend against a People’s Liberation Army attack and possible invasion. The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) is charged with the defense of airspace over and around Taiwan and enabling military operations in land and sea domains. If necessary, it could also take the battle into China as part of a multi-pronged offensive effort.

While the ROCAF is relatively well-equipped and trained, attempts to modernize have been hit by political and fiscal challenges. The ROCAF has made some headway with mid-life upgrades for the majority of its more than 20-year-old fighter fleet and will receive a much-needed boost with the introduction of F-16C/D Block 70s in the coming years. However, it still lacks many force-multiplier capabilities such as aerial refueling and electronic warfare. Amid qualitative and quantitative improvements to the PLA air combat fleets, the military balance across the Taiwan Strait continues to tip towards Mainland China.

This book provides a comprehensive study of Taiwan’s air force with in-depth analysis backed by high-quality images. It examines ROCAF combat capabilities today, its aircraft fleet, and what the future holds for the air arm.

"...one of the timeliest studies of the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) in the post-Cold War era and a relevant book in the current geopolitical climate of the western Pacific region." ~Aether: A Journal of Strategic Airpower & Spacepower

“I feel the Military History buff and the more general audience reader will both get value from a book like this.” ~Argunners Magazine

"The amply illustrated effort sports dozens of color photos. Maps put commentary into geographic perspective...For a primer on the ongoing issue, grab this vital volume." ~Cybermodeler

"Anyone interested in modeling this unique air force would be hard pressed to find any better compilation of information, and will not find a better source of inspiration on the topic within easy reach." ~IPMS/USA

"...all makes for a superb look at an air arm that few think about." ~ModelingMadness.Com

"…the most up-to-date study of the subject available." ~Airfix Model World

"…a great look at the history, the organisation and the assortment of aircraft types which they operate today. With the artwork and the superb photographic images, this is a great resource for modellers who might be interested in a collection themed on the subject of the ROCAF." ~Military Model Scene

Ray Choo and Peter Ho have written the ultimate book on Taiwan air power...there is an extraordinary amount of data, including accurate Order of Battle, unit insignias, bases, and a must read bibliography/footnotes." ~China in Arms

"...this monograph helps immensely in understanding the role of the ROCAF in the ongoing give-and-take between the PRC and Taiwan." ~Air & Space Power History